When you go to a dentist’s office, you may notice at least three letters follow his or her name. The letters, DMD or DDS, represent the professional degree earned by that dentist from a dental school in the United States. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, and DMD stands for Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry.
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Aren’t There Two Degrees In Medicine?
Licensed physicians can have either an MD or DO degree.
· The MD or Doctor of Medicine degree is more common and familiar to most people. An MD is likely to treat specific symptoms and conditions.
· The DO or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine tends to treat patients with a more whole-body approach.
These two approaches to treatment stem from differences in the professional training both doctors receive.
The actual differences in how an MD and DO practice medicine are usually subtle. However, it does depend on the individual doctor since a DO receives many hours of instruction on osteopathic manipulation medicine in their training. The differences in training lead more DO physicians to practice in primary care, such as family medicine and internal medicine. While a DO can pursue a surgical specialty, most surgeons receive the MD degree in their training.
Is There A Difference In Training For A DMD And A DDS?
Licensed dentists can also have one of two degrees, but the training for both is identical. Accredited dental schools offer the same training and can grant either the DMD or DDS degree. The American Dental Association establishes the curriculum requirements and lets each school decide which degree to offer.
The first dental school in the United States was the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, established in 1840. It awarded graduates the DDS degree. This was the only dental degree until 1867 when Harvard University chose the DMD as their degree. Since then, dental schools have chosen either degree upon completion of the same required and accredited coursework.
How Does A Dentist Choose?
It’s unlikely that someone would choose to attend a dental school based on which degree they offer. Usually, potential students base their decision on geography, tuition, and other factors. This highlights the fact that no actual difference exists between the DDS and DMD degrees.
Can A DMD Perform Oral Surgery?
Every dentist, whether a DMD or DDS, receives training in oral surgical procedures during dental school. A licensed dentist may perform these procedures in their practice. The Doctor of Dental Surgery recipient has received no more surgical training than the Doctor of Dental Medicine. However, oral surgeon specialists do receive advanced training in surgeries involving the head, neck, and mouth. Every oral surgeon must complete four years of dental school, receive either a DMD or DDS, and then complete an oral surgery residency.
Does A DDS Do General Dentistry?
A dentist with a DDS degree receives the same training in general dentistry as one with a DMD degree. Both dentists receive extensive training in providing treatments such as fillings, crowns, dentures, bridges, root canals, gum therapy, and extractions.
What About The Other Letters?
You may see other letters following the DMD or DDS after a dentist’s name. These letters, such as MS, MPH, FAGD, and MAGD, designate training beyond dental school. This training may be formal such as full-time residency programs in one of the various dental specialties. Practicing dentists earn other credentials such as FAGD and MAGD by taking continuing educations courses and completing exams to earn the certification.
How Should I Choose A Dentist?
Everyone practicing dentistry in the United States has endured rigorous training in the process. It would be best to choose a dentist based on other factors instead of the letters behind their name.
Before choosing a dentist, you might consider:
· Who do your friends and family recommend?
· Which dentist offers convenient office hours?
· Is the office location desirable?
· Does the dentist have a good reputation in the community?
· Does the dentist offer the services you expect to need?
Schedule an Appointment
We hope you now understand the difference between a DMD and DDS. Consider Trident General Dentistry for your dental needs. Please call us for a consultation and an opportunity to show you around our office.